🎄🏞️🎒 “Christmas Forest Ambush” (Tunnel Creek #2) (2023) 🎒🏞️🎄 – Bookstagram + Book Review Tour
MY REVIEW
Series: Tunnel Creek (Book #2)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (November 28, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335597778
ISBN-13: 978-133557779
⬅️ Click Photo for Pre-Order Information
“A young witness targeted—
and danger in the wilderness
When five-year-old Boone Harrington witnesses his father’s murder, he is placed in social worker Lucy Taylor’s care for the holidays. But after someone chases Lucy’s car off the road in Sumter National Forest, she and Boone turn to ranger Noah Holt for protection from a gang of ruthless gun traffickers. Can Noah keep them alive…especially after discovering Boone unknowingly has something these criminals will kill for?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Kerry Johnson, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
I read the authors LIS debut, Snowstorm Sabotage, and was completely blown away by it. I saw it was touring with JustRead and I decided to snag a copy with an Amazon gift card. And, like most books – best use of a gift card. In short, I’d started reading it at bedtime, then took it to my Chevy dealership to read during an oil change. I was so focused in the book that I didn’t even realize I was waiting until I was told my car was ready.
I even crammed 100 pages worth of reading into two (2) hours. So, to say I was impressed with that book was an understatement.
With regard to this being a “series” – some books don’t start off that way, others are not marketed as such. This one? I’m stepping up and calling it a series.
About seven (7) months ago, I won Tunnel Creek Ambush from the Love Inspired Authors and Readers group (LIARG). But, I hadn’t had a chance to read it – all the books before it, and some were prioritized. So, seeing this one – I definitely wanted it.
As it turns out – the author takes readers RIGHT back to the events of that book, and some of the characters return –
🏕️ Noah (who is the main character in this one)
🚓 Jasper
🐕🦺 Dash (Jasper’s K-9 partner)
👦🏻 Gabe (Jasper’s son, mentioned not seen)
🚓 Chief McCoy
🔬 Kinsley (mentioned, not seen)
As the investigation in that book is continuing into this one – I STRONGLY and HIGHLY recommend readers read that book before this one.
I was able to, having the previous book by me, skim that one to get the gist of this one. And, it “sort of” works well as a standalone, but not as well if read with the other book.
That said …
For this book, readers are introduced to:
👩🏻💼 Social Worker Lucy Taylor
🎒 Boone Harrington
Like any suspense book, there are going to be darker tones and disturbing content. This doesn’t have much content that might be overwhelming that I found.
As with most books in the line, Johnson wastes no time in getting to the action. It starts with Lucy driving on a stormy, winding road [yikes 😧], trying to get Boone to her place. She has temporary custody of the boy after one of his parents was killed, and another is clinging to life.
It isn’t the weather that bothers her – it is being in the forest, something she doesn’t like. It brings back traumatic memories of a camping trip that was the catalyst for her parents’ divorce; which then led to her mother’s spiral downward. An event that left Lucy broken and unable to get into a relationship.
However, someone (or some people) doesn’t want them to get to Lucy’s home. And, they almost don’t.
Noah is in the forest, where he feels more at home. He’s looking forward to three weeks off, and is planning to spend it hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT). His goal is to hike the entire trail by his 35th birthday, which is in about six (6) more years.
In addition, Noah’s left changed when his missionary father died in Cameroon. Noah is also still reeling from the death of Willard Tuttle, a fellow forest ranger, who was killed the year before (TCA) while stumbling upon a drug trafficking ring’s hiding spot. Jasper, had almost been killed.
While reflecting on events, Noah hears something. An unnatural sound alerts him to something, and upon following it – he finds Lucy’s SUV upside down in the river. Noah radios for help, but has to help the woman and the boy out of the vehicle.
She’s reluctant to accept help from authorities and Noah wonders if she abducted the boy. Once Lucy tells Noah who the boy is – Noah connects the dots. It’s clear they’re all tangled up in the biggest murder case in the state.
Noah is wondering why someone would come after Boone if he wasn’t a witness. But, they have to get moving when they hear gunfire. While trying to get to safety, Noah learns that Lucy is a friend of Brielle – Noah and Jasper’s sister.
In their quest to escape the car, they’ve left behind Boone’s bag which has a few toys, but his asthma inhaler. Noah, knowing he has an Epi-Pen, suggests they abandon the belongings and keep going. Noah soon discovers the pen is expired. Which, he can’t believe because he is meticulous about checking it. But, Boone is having issues breathing, and the pen is better than nothing. Though, that means that Noah will have to go back for the backpack (and Lucy’s purse).
As he goes back, the bad guys soon locate Lucy and Boone.
From there – Noah, the bad guys, Lucy, and Boone are trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Noah is wondering who he can trust, especially when his boss can’t be reached on the radio. He isn’t sure about another ranger either.
And, he’s also wondering when they get out of the forest – will it be safe to turn Lucy and Boone over to the authorities. One man he knows he can trust – his brother, Jasper. But, his brother is still on his honeymoon.
Despite Lucy being the opposite of everything he loves, he’s drawn to her. And, he wants nothing more to protect her and Boone.
Even though she doesn’t want marriage or kids, Lucy feels safe with Noah, and even starts to feel more than just safe. But, given her past – she can’t quite be what Noah wants. Though, they first have to get through the dangers of not just the forest, but an unknown bad guy who wants to silence Lucy and Boone.
With some predictable moments and bad guys; but unpredictable reveals, twists, and turns. This was definitely a “nervous” read down to the last few pages. If I had my natural nails exposed – I would’ve bitten them down to the quick. So thankful for super-duper sturdy press-on acrylic nails 💅🏻🤣 (as of note, they lasted about 10 days, and definitely gave up after I read this book).
Since this is one of my favorite genres and lines, I knew it was going to be a great read. I’m rarely disappointed by the line whether it is an established author, or a new one.
I was drawn right in, and really couldn’t stop reading it. I did stop for dinner, but was able to finish this inside of a 7-hour period. Then again, when a story is intense, action-packed, and the equivalent of a thrill ride with no safety bar or belts – it is hard to walk away from. There was certainly no emergency brake on this ride. And, books of this size are usually a “day-read” anyway.
The story didn’t linger in any one area at all, and with the descriptive writing, I almost felt like I was right there. It also had the feel of an action movie. I could easily see this on Lifetime.
Even though this is a romantic-suspense story, it is centered more on the suspense than the romance. In fact, it is about 90/10. With some close proximity, slow-burn romances that happens. Though, to me, that wasn’t a big deal.
There was a moment when Lucy had been given a heart-shaped rock, and I was WONDERING why the author sent one with this book. Without spoiling it, it is a reminder that sometimes, things happen for a reason – forgotten keys, forgotten wallet, or anything. That one small moment might have saved our life, or kept us from harm.
Since this is from the Love Inspired Suspense line, there are going to be references to God and faith, even prayers. These are subtle and not overwhelming.
As another Holt sibling was mentioned in this – Jasper and Noah’s sister, Brielle; I am hoping that Johnson returns to Tunnel Creek and gives us her story. Especially, since she and Lucy were friends. So, I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Those who enjoy Elizabeth Goddard, Lynette Eason, Darlene L. Turner, and/or Virginia Vaughan are sure to enjoy this one.
NOTE ➡️ on the expired EpiPen, there is conflicting information as to whether it should be used or not. According to a 2017 article found on the Mt.Sinai website, some pens 90% of the stated amount of the medication up to 29 months after their expiration date. Though, an immunologist stated his bottom line is that I have to tell my patients to honor the expiration date; though, in an emergency, “even if it is not full potency, it is better than nothing”. (https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2017/market-watch-epipens-can-stay-potent-for-years-after-they-expire-jacob-passy)
So, Noah using it on Boone was the best alternative at that moment.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Previous Book in the Series:
Series: Tunnel Creek (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (April 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335587721
ISBN-13: 978-1335587725
⬅️ Click Photo for Order Information
“Danger lurks in the shadows…
and a police dog is keeping watch
Officer Jasper Holt never thought he’d see his high school girlfriend, Kinsley Miller, again—much less become her protector. But when the wildlife biologist returns home for her aunt’s funeral, she’s attacked twice in a matter of hours. With his K-9 partner at his side, the single father will protect Kinsley with his life. But can they uncover the reason behind the assaults…before the next strike becomes the last?”
Next Book in the Series:
Series: Tunnel Creek (Book #3)
Paperback: 208 Pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense (May 21, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335598154
ISBN-13: 978-1335598158
⬆️ Click Photo for Pre-Order Information
“A mysterious death. A secluded mansion.
This investigation could be fatal…
Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
She can be found on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidkerry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerryjohnsonauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/candidkerry
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
🎉 GIVEAWAY 🎉
🎉#Giveaway 🎉 – (1) winner will win a print
copy of the book and a $30 Amazon gift card! [Click photo for more
information.]
VISIT each hosted post of this tour for more
entries. Schedule at @justreadtours. (US only. Void where
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responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 14,
2023.)
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